Bougainville Mining News: Bougainville Mining Bill Passed

by Aloysius Laukai in Kubu.
The controversial Bougainville mining Bill has been passed by the ABG house. (file photo above ) The bill went through the 3rd reading to become a Bougainville law just after 11.35 am March 26 Bougainville Standard time. This now completes all the negotiations and dissatisfactions by factions of the communities throughout Bougainville.

The bill did not go un challenged but had to go through scrutiny by former combatants who demanded certain sections removed before they can allow the government to finally pass the bill.

At the time of the passing of the bill the house was full to capacity as people witnessed the passing of the bill.
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260315 MIRINGTORO NOT HAPPY By Aloysius Laukai

The member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Communication in the Papua New Guinea National Government, JIMMY MIRINGTORO told New Dawn FM from Port Moresby that he was not happy that the ABG has rushed this bill on the eve of the ABG General elections.

He said that the ABG should have let the passing of the bill to the next government after more scrutiny from all stakeholders on Bougainville.

MR. MIRINGTORO said that pushing the bill on the eve of the ABG Elections is not proper as other outstanding issues were still not resolved on the future of mining on Bougainville.

He said that from day one he had warned the ABG against the bill especially when the people are still in the dark of this bill that could take away their rights form their land and resources forever.

MR. MIRINGTORO also said that the bill was written by outsiders like the Adam Smith International who have been involved in controversial development policies in the third world.

He said that it was unfortunate the government did not listen to the cries of the citizens and passed the bill.

Meanwhile, New Dawn FM understands that if there are some issues that have not been highlighted can now be done through an amendment of the Bougainville Mining Law by the next ABG Government that will come after the ABG General Elections.

The writs for the election will be issued by the Speaker, ANDREW MIRIKI at 4pm this Friday March 27th